Happy Sunday, friends. I am still on the mend. Ups and downs for sure. I'm trying to get in at least 30 minutes of walking each day, but yesterday was a bit tougher. Thank you for all the well wishes. Tell me all about your weekend. What are your plans for today? How are you doing? Share your joy with me. 💚

A slight departure from my normal content. I want to thank you so much for your well wishes. Yesterday, I did have to go in for emergency surgery but all that praying and positivity and fur baby content you sent my way worked because we were able to go with best case scenario plan A for the surgery. I'll have a bit of recovery time, mentally and physically, but I feel very lucky we got me into the operating room as soon as we did. I've received all of your comments, well wishes, questions, and offers of help. It is so appreciated. Three of the biggest questions: *Will I have a GoFundMe?* No, I won't. I am very fortunate to have good insurance that will cover the vast majority of this unexpected surgery. *Can you send get well cards?* You know what, I'd absolutely love that. Here is my very long GGT address: Geek Girl Travel 19101 Limestone Commercial Dr, Ste 150 #127 Pflugerville, TX 78660-7573 USA *And finally, what ways can I be supported and helped right now?* Honestly, I am personally very fortunate. I had an amazing surgical team and I have insurance and a husband who can be by my side during my recovery, as well as an army of family and friends. But that's not the case for everyone. I use my Patreon funds to assist others in need. I have been able to support dozens of people who have unexpected bills, rent they can't pay in total, food insecurity -- all thanks to your support of my Patreon. So, if you want to help me, help me help others. I truly appreciate your love and support. It means the world to me. Also, who else loves hospital socks? Wish I got a second pair. 😅

While in Richmond, I was able to go to Ashland and visit the Ashland Christmas Market. I met so many amazing vendors, but the one that really caught my eye was @hangituprva. So many of you have asked me about my new Christmas wreath you've seen in my photos and stories. Well, they made this stunning wreath and honestly, it's even more beautiful in person. Anyone else need a wreath for every occasion or just me? Let me know what you think of my new Christmas holiday wreath in the comments.

My next newsletter is all about my trip to Antarctica. This was a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list adventure for my family that we took in March 2023. Have any questions about the southernmost continent? Want to know what we should've packed but didn't? Or my must bring camera equipment? Interested in just how cold it was? Share your questions in the comments and I'll do my best to answer. Look at the last photos for an idea of how the windiest place on the planet feels about my hair. 😅

As someone with chronic pain from disability, I've learned more and more that stress is one of the biggest triggers for me and my pain and inflammation. When folks tell me to focus on self-care, I totally agree that it's very important, but self-care has to be more than just resting and relaxing. It's about so much more than that. It's about taking proactive approaches to sustaining and maintaining the best health you possibly can while also being realistic about your condition(s). Self-care is multiple things. It's managing your symptoms as related to your condition. It's maintaining your version of a healthy routine. It's managing the impact of your condition on your mental health. It's creating an informed support system. It's so much more than resting. But it's also whatever you have the capacity to do, as well. So here's to self-care because it's such an important part of your overall health.

Richmond, VA is one of America’s best kept secrets. From where to stay to what to eat and all things in between, here is my Ultimate 3-day Richmond Travel Guide. Link will be in my stories and the comments. So, after everything I've shared over the last month, who wants to visit Richmond with me? #rva #visitrichmond @visitrichmondva

I feel like this has been my whole vibe for a minute as I deal with so much from a number of different directions. And truly, I've had to prioritize my time so expertly because I have reduced capacity right now. Thank you so much for being a bright spot it my day. And thank you to my people who recognize I'm in crisis mode and have helped fill my cup instead of draining it. You know I will reciprocate when I can. 💚 How is everyone here doing? Tell me everything I've missed.

Explore @vmfamuseum with us, a cultural gem with 365 free general admission, jazz Wednesdays, and a global art journey spanning 6000 years of history. A must-visit in Richmond, Virginia. Want to plan your own trip to Richmond? Go to VisitRichmodVA.com to get started. #visitrichmond #rva #sponsored

Hey friends. Been going through it a bit. Our family has had a lot of sadness these last few weeks. We lost 3 people over the course of 5 days around Christmas. Share something hopeful in the comments. I need your positivity. 💚